Retractable closure apparatus for mobile containers

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for the safe closure of the open area of mobile containers. The invention comprises a tarp connected to a spring loaded tarp assembly and to the container by brackets. These brackets allow the tarp to be lowered and raised using the spring loaded tarp assembly. A metal plate at the bottom of the tarp is used to secure the bottom of the trap while in the closed position. The spring loaded tarp assembly comprises three main components a sleeve, a rod, and tension springs. The rod allows the free flow rotation of the sleeve with the tension spring acting as a back stop.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention was originally disclosed in provisionalapplication No. 60/279465 filed on, Mar. 28, 2001. The inventor claimsall rights and priorities associated with the provisional application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for the safe closure ofthe open area of mobile containers. More particularly, to a retractabletarp arrangement providing a more secure closure assemble and that iseasily retrofitted to existing mobile containers. Thereby reducing therate of failure perpetuating a savings from loss of down time and costof recovery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the waste disposal industry the trend since the late 1970'shas been to reduce the acreage used for waste disposal. As a result,trash compacting and recycling are standard means to create thesereductions. Compacting is one way by which not only a reduction in wasteacreage is gained but is also creates a reduction in on site storagebetween pickups.

[0004] On site compacting usually occurs in the rear of a facility andconsists of an industrial compactor attached to a mobile container. Inoperation, the compactor is loaded with the waste material and compactsit to a block of waste. Once compacted a large ramrod pushes the solidblock of waste into a giant mobile container. This block of wasteloosens during storage and transport. The mobile container consists of asteel container having a large rear hinged door, with a predeterminedopen area for ramming the solid block of waste into the container.

[0005] Once loaded, an operator attaches a tarp to cover the open area.This is accomplished by using bungee cords, rope, or the like. Bungeecords are elastic cords having metal hooks attached at both ends. Thesecords are attached to the container vertically and horizontally acrossthe tarp. Upon closing, the mobile container is loaded unto a trailerand hauled off to a waste disposal site. The used of the tarp and thebungee cords present several problems. The first is that the use of thecords are not reliable and fail frequently. An operator must be carefulwhen attaching the cords in that they can easily cause injury. Finally,during transport a failure can cause delay and added expense as wasteproduct can be lost along the route. Missing or improperly attachedcords on a mobile container are the major causes of transport mishap anddelay.

[0006] Researchers have yet to adequately address the need for alightweight, safe, and secure closure means for mobile containers. Asshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,590 issued to Kim, the slide hatch coverfor a bulk carrier vehicle requires a ramrod and heavy hatch cover.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,138 issued to Cramaro discloses a tarpaulincover system which a cable pulley arrangement for covering the top of avehicle bed. This system requires that the operator hand crank the tarpinto position over the top of the truck bed.

[0008] The present invention is a solution and a safe closure means forthe open area of mobile containers. The tarp is easily extended acrossthe open area of the mobile container and retracted by an inner springmechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a lightweight closure means formobile waste containers. The retracting tarp arrangement is easilyretrofitted on existing containers and is a safe and secure closuremeans allowing for a one-man operation.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a secure closureapparatus for mobile waste containers.

[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide a lightweightclosure means allowing for a one-man operation.

[0012] It is also an object of the invention to reduce the number of manhours due to securing the tarp to mobile containers.

[0013] Another object is to reduce the number of transport incidents dueto closure failures on waste containers.

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide a low cost closuresystem which is easily retrofitted on existing mobile waste containers.

[0015] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of theinvention will be set forth in part in the description which follows,and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned by practice of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realizedand attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0016] To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance withthe purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, the invention comprises a tarp connected to a spring loaded rodand to the container by brackets. These brackets allow the tarp to belowered and raised using a spring loaded tarp assembly. A metal plate atthe bottom of the tarp is used to secure the bottom of the trap while inthe closed position. The spring loaded tarp assembly comprises threemain components a sleeve, a rod, and tension springs. The rod allows thefree flow rotation of the sleeve with the tension spring acting as aback stop. Therefore, as you lower the tarp, which is attached to thesleeve and secure it to the bottom of the mobile container, the springincurs tension. Upon release, the springs assists in raising the tarp.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description in which the preferredembodiments have been set forth in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and formpart of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the of thepresent invention and together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0019]FIG. 1 shows the retractable tarp on a mobile container;

[0020]FIG. 2 shows a detail of the retractable tarp assembly;

[0021]FIG. 3 shows a detail of the bracket;

[0022]FIG. 4 shows a detail of the bracket and lever;

[0023]FIG. 5 shows the rod;

[0024]FIG. 6 shows a side profile of the rod;

[0025]FIG. 7 shows the front of the secure piece;

[0026]FIG. 8 shows the top of the secure piece;

[0027]FIG. 9 shows the ratchet assembly; and

[0028]FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the retractable tarp assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile container (1) is shown having aretractable tarp (4) connected to the container (1) by brackets (2, and3). These brackets allow the tarp (4) to be lowered and raised. A metalplate (6) at the bottom of the tarp (4) is used to secure the bottom ofthe tarp (4) to the container (1) while in the closed position. As shownin FIG. 2, the retractable tarp assembly (20) comprises a sleeve (8),end caps (13 and 14) a rod (9), left and right bushings (16 and 17), acenter bushing (18), and tension springs (10 and 11). The rod (9) allowsthe free flow rotation of the sleeve (8) with the tension springs (10and 11) acting as a back stop. Therefore, as you lower the tarp (4) andsecure it to the bottom of the mobile container (1) the springs (10 and11) incur tension whereby, upon release, the springs (10 and 11) createa back pull and assists in rotating the sleeve (8) and raising of thetarp (4).

[0030]FIGS. 3 and 4 show detail of the brackets (2 and 3). The bracket(19) has a bracket lever (21) positioned within the bracket (19) leftand right flanges (22 and 23). The bracket lever (21) has a smooth flatarea (24) with sides at 90° angles adapted to accept the square ends ofthe rod (9). The bracket lever (21) has a center bearing arrangement(25) which attaches it to the bracket (19) and allows it to rotatearound its center point. The bracket lever's (21) ability to rotate upto 220° allows the retractable tarp assembly (20) to be easily moved outof position when not in use. FIGS. 5 and 6 show details of the rod (9)and its square ends (12) which fit into the brackets (2, and 3). FIGS. 7and 8 show the front of the secure piece (27), and the top of the securepiece (28). It has a smooth surface (29) with sides at 90° angles toaccept the square rod ends (11). The rod (9) attaches to the brackets(2, and 3) and is adapted to receive screws (30 and 31).

[0031]FIG. 9 shows a rachet assembly (32) which can be used to lock thetarp (4) in position. It comprises a prawl (33) attached to holder (34).The holder (34) and a ratchet (35) are connected to one of the end caps(13 and 14) and the rod (9), whereby as the rod (9) turns the prawl (33)and ratchet (35) engages in one direction when the rod (9) stops moving.Finally, the sides of the tarp (4) use rachet cables (5) to secure themto the container.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the rod (36) has square ends (37 and38). The center bushing (39) is secured and centered on the rod (36) thecenter bushing (39) has slots (39 s) on each end to receive tensioningsprings (40 and 41). The left and right bushings (42 and 43) havesimilar slots (42 s and 43 s) on one end to receive the tensioningsprings (40 and 41). These slots may also be replaced by threaded ends(not shown) on each bushing (39, 42, and 43). Matching borings (notshown) along the bushings (39, 42, and 43) allow the bushings to besecured to the rod (36) and sleeve (46) with screws. Rod retainers (44and 45) are attached to the left and right bushings (42 and 43). Thesleeve (46) surrounds the rod (36) and bushings (39, 42, and 43). Endcaps (47, and 48) have openings to allow the rod (36) to pass throught,while closing off the ends of the sleeve (46). Thus allowing the sleeve(46) to spin independently. The foregoing description of the preferredembodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An apparatus for theclosure of a container comprising: Left and right brackets connected tosaid container; a rod connected to said left and brackets; a bushingassembly attached to said rod and circling its circumference; a sleevemember connected to said bushing assembly; and a tarp attached to saidsleeve.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said left andright brackets further comprises a smooth flat surface having left andright ends and said left and right ends extending at a 90° angle fromsaid smooth flat surface.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 whereinsaid rod has a tubular shape, said rod having a left and right end andsaid ends each having a section with parallel sides and each at 90°angles from the other.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 whereinsaid rod left and right ends are positioned within the left and rightbrackets respectively, said rod ends rest on said smooth flat surface ofsaid brackets, and said left and right sides of each of the bracketssurround at least two of said parallel sides of the rod ends.
 5. Theapparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said bushing assembly furthercomprises: a center bushing; a left spring connected to said centerbushing at one end; a right spring connected to said center bushing atthe other end; a left bushing connected at one end to said left spring;and; a right bushing connected at one end to the right spring.
 6. Theapparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said center bushing is connectedto said rod, and the center bushing further comprising a slot on eachend whereby the left and right springs are attached therethrough.
 7. Theapparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said left and right bushingseach have a slot on one end to receive and connect with said left andright springs respectively, said left and right bushings having aretaining piece positioned at the opposite ends from said left and rightsprings respectively and said retaining piece having an opening allowingsaid rod ends to extend freely.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7wherein said sleeve is a hollow cylinder and is connected to said leftand right bushings, and the tarp is attached to the circumference of thecylinder.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said left andright brackets further comprise a securing piece, said securing piecehaving a smooth flat surface with a left and right side extending a 90°angle from said smooth flat surface, and said secure piece is positionedaround said parallel sides of said left and right rod ends.
 10. Theapparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said left and right bracketscomprise: a base; a left and right flange member connected to said base;a lever member connected allowing free rotation for up to 220°.
 11. Amethod of opening and closing an opening of a mobile containercomprising the steps of: a). attaching left and right brackets on saidcontainer; b). connecting a tarp assembly to said left and rightbrackets; said tarp assembly further comprising a tarp and a sleeve, andsaid tarp being wound around said sleeve; c). extending said tarp acrosssaid opening of said mobile container whereby as said tarp is pulled thetarp assembly has the ability to impart tension on said sleeve; d)securing said tarp to the mobile container; e). releasing said tarpwhereby said tarp assembly releases the tension on the sleeve causingthe tarp to be wound around the sleeve.
 12. The method as recited inclaim 11 wherein said tarp assembly comprises a rod, a bushing assemblyattached to said rod and circling its circumference, a sleeve memberconnected to said bushing assembly; and a tarp attached to the sleeve.13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said bushing assemblyfurther comprises: a center bushing; a left spring connected to saidcenter bushing at one end; a right spring connected to said centerbushing at the other end; a left bushing connected at one end to saidleft spring; and; a right bushing connected at one end to the rightspring.
 14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein said left andright brackets comprise: a base; a left and right flange memberconnected to said base; a lever member connected to the left and rightflange members and allowing free rotation for up to 220°.
 15. The methodas recited in claim 14 wherein said left and right bushings each have aslot on one end to receive and connect with said left and right springsrespectively, said left and right bushings having a retaining piecepositioned at the opposite ends from said left and right springsrespectively and said retaining piece having an opening allowing saidrod ends to extend freely.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15 whereinsaid rod has a tubular shape with a left and right end, and said endseach having a section with parallel sides each at 90° angles from theother.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16 wherein said sleeve is ahollow cylinder and is connected to said left and right bushings, andthe tarp is attached to the circumference of the cylinder.